Even Comelec officers running in 2010

MANILA, Philippines - Two poll officials have benefited from the recent Supreme Court decision allowing government officials to hold on to their posts even after filing their certificates of candidacy (COCs).

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) confirmed that two regional poll officials, Raymundo Gunda and Mac Laylay of Eastern Samar, filed their COCs last Tuesday to run in next year’s elections.

Gunda, of Borongan town, reportedly filed his COC as provincial board member, while Laylay is seeking the mayoralty post in his hometown in Cabugao, also in Eastern Samar.

Comelec Commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal said the two poll officers did not resign when they filed their COCs.

Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento, on the other hand, said the poll body would not tolerate the “unethical” action of the two poll officials.

“What they have done is clearly a conflict of interest since as election officers they are the ones who are administering and enforcing election laws and resolutions,” Sarmiento pointed out.

Sarmiento though conceded Comelec is in a bind on how to deal
with the two officials.

He also admitted the two officials do not face any disqualification under election laws under the situation.

Sarmiento, however, said the Comelec has already decided to give the two officials the options of resigning or taking a terminal leave.

“We have given them two options, but if they would insist on running they should face more severe actions, including dismissal from the service for disobedience,” Sarmiento said.